Yesterday, The BCPF and I got off to an earlier-than-usual start and had breakfast and then ran by Underdog Records. We were there before they opened so we got first dibs on his wares, but not until he opened, of course, we don’t do that. The record-listening time was cut short because we judged a chili cook-off for the Ardmore Neighborhood late in the afternoon. But, the haul was great and I was excited about three things, in particular. Here’s the haul:

Roxy Music – Manifesto — This is one of the ones I’m excited about. I have really enjoyed listening to Roxy Music stuff, whether I have it on vinyl or not. In fact, I listen to it on streaming, too. I also like the Brian Eno solo stuff. He was gone from Roxy before this album came out. I was just making a point. “Dance Away” is one of my favorite Roxy tunes and it’s on this album. VG+.

Journey – Frontiers — Another that I was excited about. I can’t believe I didn’t already have this, but now, I can’t say that any longer. This has so many good songs from “Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)” to “Faithfully,” “After the Fall” to “Send Her My Love” which happens to be one of my favorite Journey songs. I know the album and the band (in this era) got a lot of flack and scoffs but I love them and I love this album. VG++.

Judas Priest – Hell Bent For Leather — The American version of Killing Machine from Priest. The album was renamed in the US because CBS/Columbia was wary of the implications following the Cleveland School Shooting in San Diego. Incidentally, that shooting led to Boomtown Rats’ song “I Don’t Like Mondays” because the shooter, 16-year old Brenda Spencer shot folks from her house across the street and when questioned about it, said “I don’t like Mondays. This livens up the day.” She still sits in jail 40 years later. But, this album rocks, as does all Priest, I’m learning. It’s the last one with Les Binks behind the drums. VG.

Again, with the swing through, I didn’t get to notice a lot of equipment that Jonathan had but there were things there, including a few cassette decks, speakers and of course, turntables/record players. And, again, check out the Curated by Underdog feature that Jonathan does, now. Go in and ask him about it. Listen to The Less Desirables, new episodes out every Wednesday night, to hear the TLD/UR special of the week.

I used Discogs to track and catalog my collection.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—“Yesterday, when it seemed so cool, when I walked you home, kissed goodnight, I said, “It’s love”, you said, “Alright.” It’s funny how I could never cry until tonight when you pass by hand in hand with another guy. You’re dressed to kill and guess who’s dying. Dance away the heartache. Dance away the tears. Dance away the heartache. Dance away the fear. Dance away.” – “Dance Away” (Ferry)

The BCPF and I were out in a drenched wasteland of slush and deluge what with the snow melting and the constant, steady rain. But, we had our crêpes and headed on over to Underdog Records. Here’s the haul:

Ozzy Osbourne, Randy Rhoads – Tribute — I had this on cassette first, and then on CD and now on vinyl. I love this album. As I said in my Instagram post, Randy Rhoads was on fire, Ozzy was sober and energetic and Rudy Sarzo and Tommy Aldridge were tight and heavy. It’s Ozzy at his finest live. It always got me, too, to hear Randy’s outtakes while recording “Dee” for his mother. 2xLP. VG+.

Heart – Bebe Le Strange — Not my favorite album by them, but it is solid. It’s bluesy and rocking. Also, they have the Tower of Power horns on “Even It Up.” The cover isn’t bad to look at, either. VG+.

George Harrison – Thirty Three & 1/3 — The BCPF loves her some George Harrison and this was a great album. The album actually has the 33 1/3 stylized like the “om” symbol (see to the right). This album was in EX/VG++ condition.

Leonard Bernstein, André Watts, Eugene Ormandy, Ivan Davis – Liszt’s Greatest Hits — I have listened to a lot of classical in my life, but I never paid much attent to Franz Liszt. I don’t know why because he does stuff that I like, such as, bombastic pieces and compositions that sound like movie scores. I dig that. This was in the $1 bin, but it is in pristine condition. EX/VG++.

England Dan & John Ford Coley – Dowdy Ferry Road — I am a sucker, not only for Disney but for Yacht Rock as well. This is squarely in that realm but I have to admit that this album is a little cheesy. Don’t get me wrong, I do like it, but it kind of smells of K-R-A-F-T. $1 bin find in VG.

Yes – Close To The Edge — My quest for Yes albums continues and this only has three songs but still comes in at 37:51. It starts out with some seriously weird tape loops but it works its way out into a great tune, which happens to be the title track. It takes up the whole first side at just over 18 minutes. Side 2 has one eight-minute song and one 10-minute song. Still, even with my indifference to long songs, it worked here. $1 bin find. VG.

Modern English – After The Snow — The album from the post-punk/new-wave band that pretty much got them their recognition. It has the song “I Melt With You.” We haven’t listened to it, yet, but we will. $1 bin find in VG.

Underdog Records had some great things this week. The holidays, oddly enough, are when the record companies wind down their releases because they want enough time to get some publicity behind the releases. You’ll still find new releases but they’re usually pretty light. Still, this week Jonathan was running a cool special as the TLD/UR special of the week. It was especially useful in the gift card area. Listen to The Less Desirables each week to hear what the special of the week is.

And, I stood (in the way) at the “fresh used” bins and used Discogs to confirm that I did or did not have certain records that I found. It’s a great tool and resource. We are especially fond of the “shuffle” feature. We love Discogs.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—“Moving forward using all my breath. Making love to you was never second best. I saw the world crashing all around your face. Never really knowing it was always mesh and lace. I’ll stop the world and melt with you. You’ve seen the difference and it’s getting better all the time. There’s nothing you and I won’t do. I’ll stop the world and melt with you.” – “I Melt With You” (Brown/Conroy/Grey/McDowell/Walker)

Finally, after a break of several weeks, I have a haul to write about. Yay, me! It was good to get back in Underdog Records, see Jonathan, bin dive and then actually getting some good record listening time in. Here’s what we got:

New Order – Movement — The debut album from New Order after the death of Ian Curtis and thus ending Joy Division. The BCPF says “this is my jam.” Needless to say, she likes it. I didn’t mind it. It was decent. New.

Nirvana – Nevermind — In September when the anniversary of this album came around, I went to play it in honor of the milestone. I looked and looked and looked. I couldn’t find it. I looked on Discogs and it wasn’t there, either. I keep a list of the RS list to see what I have collected from it. It wasn’t marked there, either. I was flabbergasted. How did I not have it? Well, I didn’t and now, I can’t say that anymore. I got it yesterday. I hated it when it came out. I hated the idea of grunge taking over the hair band scene. I’ve talked about that ad nauseum, so I’ll leave it be. This was new.

Pixies – Surfer Rosa — I actually got this last week when I couldn’t stay away from Underdog. It’s one of The BCPF’s faves and we know I want her to get what she wants, even when she didn’t know it was there to want. The record that is, she knew about the album. VG++.

Stan Getz – Captain Marvel — This album is great! Not only do you get the lyrical sexy saxy stylings of Stan Getz but you get Chick Corea on electric piano, Stanley Clarke on bass, Airto Moreira on percussion and drum hall of fame member (and drummer for Miles Davis) Tony Williams. Such great stuff. VG+.

Wings – Wings Over America — a 3xLP live album from Sir Paul (before he was Sir) and company. It is heavy, for sure. It feels like it weighs about 10 pounds, but really it is only about one. Haven’t listened yet. VG+.

George Harrison – Dark Horse — Not my favorite George album, but it has some great spots. The BCPF was excited to get it. VG+.

Randy Newman – Trouble In Paradise — I love Randy Newman and when I see something from him that I don’t already have, I need to get it. This has the hit “I Love LA” and a tune called “The Blues” which is a duet with Paul Simon. VG+.

Yes – Going For The One — The eighth studio album from Yes, which marked the return of Rick Wakeman who had left to do other things two albums prior. It’s only 5 songs but it is full-length. A lot of proggy goodness here. VG+.

The Who – Face Dances — The 1981 follow-up to the Quadrophenia album in 1979. It has the song “You Better You Bet” and is pretty fine. VG.

Atlantic Starr – All In The Name Of Love — I will admit that I purchased this (for $2) just because of one song. That song is “Always.” I have always loved it. It serves my R&B Slow Jam sensibilities. VG.

The Chipmunks – Urban Chipmunk — Yeah, you read that correctly. I’ve had more comments (positive ones) about this album than most any other recently. I even had someone offer to buy it from me already. Why? Because it’s a memory from our childhood. I wanted this when I was a kid and never got it. I had a cousin who had it. My sister had Chipmunk Punk which was a better album, but I wanted both of them. I haven’t found the Punk one and loved finding this one. And, yes, it is as awful as you’d think it would be, but that’s a glorious thing! Even though it was a $1 bin find, it was in VG+ condition.

Underdog Records is THE Official Music Sponsor of The Less Desirables. They have fantastic vinyl choices and players. There are also a few cassettes because apparently, that’s a thing again? Listen to the weekly episode of TLD to hear what the TLD/Underdog Special of the week is. Watch the social media channels for Underdog Records to see what is going freshly onto the sales floor.

I use Discogs to keep track of my collection. I spent a lot of time bin diving with my app on the phone open so I could check that I did or didn’t have the great stuff I was finding.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—“I call you on the telephone my voice too rough with cigarettes. I sometimes feel I should just go home. But I’m dealing with a memory that never forgets. I love to hear you say my name especially when you say yes. I got your body right now on my mind and I drunk myself blind. To the sound of old T-Rex. To the sound of old T-Rex, who’s next?” – “You Better You Bet” (Townshend)

First off, notice I changed the title of this one. It seems my Sunday posts are a bit verbose at times, and they’re usually about records. Neither of which really lends to the “silent” aspect of Silent Sunday. So, I think I’m changing the “haul” posts up a bit. I’ll still do Silent Sunday for non-record posts.

Well, this is a little different in the record category, as well. I went to Underdog Records, three different times from Friday to Saturday. I went on Friday because I didn’t think I’d get there Saturday because of a party we were having with a dear friend of ours. That included a bus and beer. Yep. Bus. Beer. And, also, on Friday, I was given a few records by a friend of mine. She said, here you can have these. Some of them ended up crossing off a few entries off the RS List. So, here’s what we got:

Poison – Open Up and Say…Ahh! – Yeah, I know it’s cheesy “hair metal” but I don’t care. I love this album. I think Bret Michaels sings perfectly well for what they were. Still, when people talk hair metal, I’d say 17 out of 20 would say Poison first. This was a reissue, so new.

Dr. Dog – Critical Equation – A new album from a band that, to me, sounds like a mixture between Robert Smith of the Cure and Bob Dylan. It’s right up The BCPF’s alley and that’s why I picked it. New.

Liz Phair – Exile In Guyville – #327 on the RS List, this was a reissue on 180g vinyl to celebrate its 25th anniversary. It’s a great album. She’s ballsy for a chick. That’s a good thing. New.

Bob Dylan – Desire – #174 on the RS List. It was there in the used bin and in VG condition.

The Liverpool Kids – Beattle Mash – This is an enigma to me. It’s clearly a Beatles-esque or Beatles-influenced band. Beatles is spelled wrong in the title and on the back but right everyhwere else, including the center label itself, where it credits the artist as The Schoolboys. Liner Notes credit artist as The Liverpool Moptops. So, who knows what’s going on. They cover “She Loves You” but the rest is just in British Invasion genre. G+?

Elvis – Double Dynamite! – Not even credited to Mr. Presley, it just says Elvis, although the cover is clearly him. It also says it’s made from original RCA masters. Eh? VG.

So, a pretty big haul there. Thanks, Lori for the gifts. And thank you Underdog Records for providing me a “candy store” to be proud of. And thanks to Discogs for providing such a great place for me to catalog my stuff!

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—“Winter is here again oh lord. Haven’t been home in a year or more. I hope she holds on a little longer. Sent a letter on a long summer day. Made of silver, not of clay. I’ve been runnin’ down this dusty road.” – “Wheel in the Sky” (Schon/Fleischman/Valory)

Yesterday was a beautiful day. It was warm but not hot, the humidity was quite low, the windows on “Annabelle” were all open, including the moonroof. The BCPF and I walked around Old Salem and visited with friends at the Cobblestone Farmers Market, at breakfast at Mary’s Gourmet Diner, visited Underdog Records, put together our new vinyl shelf, started the reorganization process (re-alphabetizing) of the “reset” which I’ll explain in a bit, early dinner at Willows Bistro and finished with a little get together with our very good friends. So, here’s the haul:

Neil Young & Crazy Horse – Life – This was still sealed from 1987. We listened to it but didn’t have time to post a Facebook or Instagram log about it. It was different but exactly the same. I would say a little less singer-songwriter and more just late 80s rock. NM.

Randy Newman – 12 Songs – #356 on the RS list. I found that I really dig some Randy Newman whilst listening to that song. He actually wrote a lot of stuff that other folk recorded; like “Mama Told Me Not to Come,” made more famous by Three Dog Night. VG++.

The Who – It’s Hard – Early 80s Who. The Who isn’t one of my favorite bands but I find myself wanting their stuff. It was a good price and it was available, so there you go. VG+.

Stan Getz – Another World – I have loved just about everything I have heard from Stan Getz, so here’s hoping that I like this 2xLP from the late 70s. VG+.

Bananarama – True Confessions – A mid-80s classic. This is the one with “Venus” on it. The BCPF made a comparison that Bananarama’s harmony style is a lot like the Spice Girls. I’d say that Bananarama was probably a direct influence. VG++.

Bananarama – Bananarama – This was their debut album featuring “Cruel Summer” and “Robert De Niro’s Waiting.” Haven’t listened to this one, yet. VG+.

Simon & Garfunkel – Wednesday Morning, 3 A.M. – 1965 debut album of a little duo that is going to go places! One of my favorite S&G tunes is “Sound of Silence” and as The BCPF says, “Paul Simon is a genius.” Yeah, he is. VG.

Scorpions – Animal Magnetism – Wracking up on my Scorpions collection. The song “The Zoo” has always been a favorite of mine from this group. VG.

Stephen Stills – Stills – We can’t figure out whether Stephen Still is a huge football fan or if he just likes wearing the t-shirt “jerseys.” It seems like you see him in those a lot from the pics on albums and magazines and such from back in the 70s. $1 bin find in VG condition.

Humble Pie – Eat It – I have no Humble Pie albums and I’m not sure I’ve even ever heard a song by them. I am sure I have but I wouldn’t know what it was. This is a 2xLP that is part rock, part R&B covers, part acoustic, and live performances. So, I don’t know what to make of it. $1 bin find and in “good” condition.

Jonathan was gearing up for Record Store Day and he was a bit befuzzled but we made it a little better when we arrived at the shop with an iced coffee of some sort that Dana Moody of West End Coffeehouse sent for him. But, we are revving for Record Store Day, as well. We bought this brand new shelf and have started resorting our collection. We’re going to change our process, too.

We already do it alphabetically by artist/band first name because that’s the way Discogs does it and I want to be able to look in order to find them according to Discogs. We are taking the classical out and we’re going to separate that from the regular collection so they’re easier to find. We also keep the ones that we haven’t listened to separate but that part of the collection was becoming quite a stack. So, we decided that since there are two Record Store Days a year – a big one in April and a minor one in the fall (I think Black Friday) – those will be “reset” days. Anything that hadn’t been listened to gets inserted into “gen pop” of the collection. That gives us time to listen and if we haven’t then, oh well.

Visit the Record Store Day website and find out what is coming out next Saturday and go support your local record stores. These are exclusive to indie stores and these albums won’t be on Amazon or in the big box stores. You may find some stuff on eBay but it will most likely be marked up ridiculously. Jonathan has ordered a large sum of product for this event and he needs to unload it. That’s where you (and we) come in. Support local business and indie record store. Yeah, I know I said that already… it’s important.

And, I use Discogs to keep track of what I have, which that list has grown a lot. I have to look at it in the store to make sure I do or don’t have an album before I make duplicate purchases. It’s a fun resource. Try it! They do CDs, too.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“And the people bowed and prayed to the neon god they made. And the sign flashed out its warning in the words that it was forming. And the sign said the words of the prophets are written on the subway walls and tenement halls. And whispered in the sounds of silence.” – “The Sound of Silence” (Simon)

Last night there was a shindig at Finnigans for the anniversary of The Less Desirables. However, that’s a post for tomorrow. Yesterday, before the “gala,” we did our usual “Saturday Thang” which included, of course, Underdog Records. It was a rainy and miserable day (much of like today’s forecast), but we got some good records. Like…

Rush – Exit…Stage Left – 2xLP live album, mostly recorded during their Moving Pictures tour (some of it was on the tour prior), in which I love the track listing but I thought some of the Side 1 was muddy. It seemed to clear up, or I just got used to it. VG+.

The Alan Parsons Project – Pyramid – I have really loved getting into the Alan Parsons Project. Everything is a little ethereal, a little rocking and a little pop. It’s difficult to explain but I dig it. Great album. VG/VG+.

Stray Cats – Built For Speed – This album rocked. Two of their biggest hits, “Stray Cat Strut” and “Rock This Town,” are on here. The whole album is pretty cool. I have to say that I get tired of the “rockabilly” thing after a bit but what I liked, I really liked. VG+.

Isaac Hayes – Truck Turner (Original Soundtrack) – The copy of this once belonged to WFDD here in WSNC. There’s a big orange sticker that says so and I can’t get that off, I don’t think. Even with Goo Gone. I’m not going to try. It adds to its charm. Wh doesn’t dig some Isaac Hayes, right Chef? VG+.

Tim Curry – Fearless – So, I saw this and I know that I love Tim Curry. I figured I have to have it, right? So, we got it. VG+ condition. It is not bad… but it is some weird stuff. Not weird in the songs. Some are ballads and some are heavy rockers. But, if you can imagine Frank-N-Furter standing in the studio recording an album. This is that.

The Beatles – The Beatles’ Second Album – So, this is technically their third US album because Capital released some after Vee-Jay Records did which coincided with the EMI stuff in the UK and… if you could see me right now, I’d be waving my hand and saying, you know what, that’s not important. It’s in Fair condition but it is The Beatles and it is an amalgamation of several of their UK albums, which, to me, is the better discography. But, this is mono and yadda yadda yadda.

Various – Music Machine – Another K-Tel compilation. It’s pretty beat up but from 1977/78 or so. G? I dunno.

Santana – Abraxas – #207 on the RS list. This is pretty beat up. I’m going to give it a listen and see if it’s worth keeping. If not, I’ll look for a better copy. It was in the $1 bin and is in F+/G shape, at least before I play it.

Luciano Pavarotti – Pavarotti On Pavarotti – Tony DiLisio calls me Pavarotti because I’m fat and I sing to him. Also, I love his voice, so when I come across stuff by him, especially the $1 bin stuff. I grab it. VG.

Loggins And Messina – The Best Of Friends – I have this on CD and it has the songs I care about from them. I’m not a huge fan, but I do love the two or three songs that I bought both the CD and this for. $1 bin find. VG.

Herb Alpert – Wild Romance – $1 bin find and it’s Herb Alpert. His 80s stuff may not be the same classics as his earlier stuff, but it’s Herb Alpert. ‘Nuff said! VG.

So, a decent haul. We also purchased a new album that we totally didn’t know we already had. We’ll have to turn that back in, trade it for something else. Jonathan is usually good with that. You need to follow the Underdog Records social media pages because Jonathan is always posting what’s just arrived in the store, both new and used. Sometimes that is several times a day. Usually, though, it’s maybe once a day, twice a day. Not too inundating. But, trust me, it’s worth it if you’re into vinyl (or just want to be into it).

Also, use Discogs to catalog your collection. They have a great marketplace, too. I have been really happy with my buying experiences on there.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—“Hello, darkness, my old friend. I’ve come to talk with you again. Because a vision softly creeping left its seeds while I was sleeping, and the vision that was planted in my brain still remains, within the sound of silence.” – “The Sound of Silence” (Simon)

It was cold as all get out yesterday when The BCPF and I took to the streets to do our “Saturday Thang.” Near, if not in, the 60s the day before, it was at around 34° or so as we went to Underdog Records. Brrrrrr! But, we got to warm up with some great music. Let’s hit it.

Big Star – Radio City – Local ties all around this album. I know it’s a favorite of many of the musical circles in town and some of them even had some things to do with the band itself. It’s #405 on the RS List and you know what? It’s a fantastic album. New.

Run-D.M.C. – Run-D.M.C. – One of the pioneering rap albums that set that whole genre on fire. It’s #242 on the RS List. New.

Etta James – At Last! – The first time I heard this woman’s voice I was smitten. She’s so powerful and soulful. It’s easy to see where Amy Winehouse got her inspiration. Great album coming in at #119 on the RS List. New.

Stan Getz / Charlie Byrd – Jazz Samba – I loved the Getz/Gilberto album that we got last year, even more so than the first time I heard it. I missed out on the second album from that duo, but I think I’ll dig this one. VG+.

Berlin – Love Life – I’m listening to this as I write this post. It’s a good new wave/pop record. Good stuff. I’ve always loved Terri Nunn’s voice (and she’s cute). VG+.

Ray Parker Jr. – The Other Woman – Yep, I love some cheese. Parker Jr., though, is a really good guitar player. He has been a session player for some big names in music like Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, Tina Turner, Boz Scaggs, David Foster and Herbie Hancock. He also wrote a lot of hits for others like “Mr. Telephone Man” for New Edition and so on. VG+.

Nat King Cole – The Man And His Music – Because we grab anything we can with Nat King Cole on it, and it was only $1 and a 2xLP at that. It’s in fairly good condition, too.

There was another Benjamin Britten that we got but it’s not in Discogs and I’ll have to enter it along with about four or five others that take about 30-45 minutes each to put all that info in (especially hard when their in foreign languages) and it’s not easy to find info on some of those things. A headache. For the record, I think I’ve only purchased one album that I had to put in. She has purchased the rest… sigh… I kid.

Just this week, Jonathan got in a set of Bose speakers and a JVC receiver that were in good shape, he sold the speakers pretty quickly. But, he is always getting groovy record gear in and it’s there for the taking. Follow Underdog Records on Instagram to get the latest of what’s going out there. He posts new releases, freshly obtained used vinyl and other record-related info. Jonathan, like Clay Howard, Jerry Chapman and myself all use Discogs to keep up with our collection and share with others. Plus, the Discogs Marketplace is pretty banging, too.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—“September girls do so much. I was your Butch and you were touched. I loved you, well, never mind. I’ve been crying all the time. December boy’s got it bad. December boy’s got it bad.” – “September Gurls” (Chilton)

So, yesterday was the first trip into Underdog Records of 2018. The BCPF and I got some good stuff, I believe. I filled in a couple of empty spaces on the RS list and one from the Eugeology list, too. The overall haul was short, but the depth was good! Let’s hit it…

Right after we left yesterday, Jonathan got in a used Audio-Technica ATLP120 in like-new condition with an upgraded cartridge. It has already sold but he gets stuff like this in nearly every day. Follow them on Instagram to keep track of what comes through there, as it comes through there. Great deals to be had there, in equipment and records, obviously! We also love using Discogs to keep track of what we have, info on the records, who produced what, who played on what and so on. Plus, there’s a marketplace if you’re not finding the stuff you need elsewhere. Check them out.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—“Everybody’s at war these days. Let’s have a mini-surrender. I need some sentimental hygiene.” – “Sentimental Hygiene” (Zevon)